Grandmother wants to adopt grandkids

Nov. 23, 2012

Written by

News-Leader Staff

No. 4: Grandmother raising three grandkids

For the past three years, this grandmother has been raising her three grandchildren. The childrenís mother is in prison and the fatherís whereabouts are unknown. With the loving guidance and structure Grandmother provides, the children have learned to help with chores. School grades have greatly improved, and the grandson was proud to bring home five Aís in his middle school classes. Grandmother works full time and receives some food stamps, but after paying the monthly bills and buying gas to get to work, there is no money left for Christmas gifts. She would like to pursue legal guardianship of the children, but canít afford the legal fees. She says, ďI do the best I can, but some days it doesnít seem to be enough.Ē

The older children know how hard their grandmother works and donít ask for anything but necessities. Just making a list of things they would like for Christmas was exciting for them. A basketball and goal, movies and a body pillow are gifts the 14-year-old boy would appreciate. The 13-year-old granddaughter has requested a Chi hair straightener or a DS with games. For her room she would like a lime green bean bag, pink pillows and a rug. Pillows and a rug for her bedroom are also on the list of the 10-year-old girl. A DVD player and movies complete her list. All of the children need shoes and shirts. Towels, glasses and cereal bowls would be nice gifts for the family. Grandmother said watching the children open gifts is enough of a present for her.

No. 5: Veteran's family struggling

After serving with the Army in Iraq, this veteran has moved to Springfield with his wife and four children. Earlier this year, he received a military medical retirement and continues to struggle through many health issues. As they transition to civilian life, the family faces a number of challenges. Going from full military pay with housing and benefits to retirement pay presents a major financial adjustment. The wife would like to help with the family income, but a baby is due by early December. When the baby is older, the wife hopes to find employment. Due to his injuries, Dad is limited in the type of work he can do. This fall, he enrolled at Ozarks Technical Community College, and hopes to become an elementary teacher.

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The children are hoping for toys for Christmas, but the parents are more concerned about household needs. The three boys are sleeping on mattresses on the floor, so bed frames or bunk beds would be appreciated. They are borrowing an apartment-size refrigerator, and that does not hold adequate food for a family of this size. A large crock pot and sheets also are needed.

The 14-year-old boy would like the Nerf N-Strike blaster and clothing. A CD boom box and the Project Runway Silk Screen set have been requested by the 13-year-old girl. She also needs a winter coat. The 7- and 4-year-old boys would like Ninja action figures and Trio block sets. They need snow boots and coats. All of the children like to read, so books or gift certificates to a bookstore are welcome gifts. The baby will need sleepers, diapers and a tummy time mat. Mom knows she will be getting up at night with the baby and would like warm socks and slippers. Dadís only request was for winter gloves.

No. 6: Family can't visit recent widow

A local care facility has been home for this lady for several years. Her husband died recently, and other family members are unable to visit. Her favorite activities include watching TV and socializing with other residents. She said she would like a red or purple blouse and a coin purse for Christmas. The staff listed other needs such as clothing, shampoo, deodorant, body wash and lotion.

How to Help

Share Your Christmas is the News-Leaderís annual campaign, in partnership with Crosslines, to give readers an opportunity to share their holiday spirit with others. Each day through Dec. 5, weíll highlight families and individuals in need. Families can be adopted by a single donor, or donors can adopt just one family member or donate a single gift. Readers who wish to donate gifts can call the Holiday Center at 866-8008. Callers should refer to the story number they wish to help, and they will be given specific information such as clothing sizes. Gifts must be delivered to the Holiday Center at 3010 E. Sunshine St. in the Southern Hills Shopping Center by Dec. 17. To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Crosslines ó with Share Your Christmas and the story number, if applicable, in the memo line ó to P.O. Box 11247, Springfield, MO 65808 Email: newsstories@ccozarks.org